The VanTrece Hospitality Group will close La Panarda Restaurant in Cascade Heights in mid-April.
The restaurant, which featured Chef Deborah VanTrece’s “Global Soul” approach to Italian cuisine, opened in February 2023 and went on to receive consistently positive reviews for the cuisine and atmosphere, according to a press release.
VanTrece owns two other successful restaurants: Oreatha’s at the Point (also in Cascade Heights) and Twisted Soul, the West Midtown restaurant recently recognized by The Michelin Guide.
In addition, VanTrece also manages Catering by VanTrece and was recently selected as Curating Chef for the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
“Between the restaurants, the Centurion Lounge, the constant catering requests, a new cookbook and final negotiations for a network television show, I was just pulled in too many directions,” VanTrece said in the release. “Something had to give. And as much I love Italian Cuisine and the food we were crafting at La Panarda… it was the last restaurant to open, so it was the one we chose to close.”
She said this move will allow VanTrece Hospitality Group to focus on expanding the brand via national and international opportunities.
The decision to build two restaurants in Cascade Heights was based on her desire to see the once-thriving commercial center transformed with new businesses to meet the needs of local residents and provide economic opportunities.
“Developer Shea Embry’s vision for the revitalization of the business corridor was and is brilliant” VanTrece said. “She has been an ideal partner to work with and we’re looking forward to continuing our successful relationship with Oreatha’s. Soon, another restaurant will move into the La Panarda restaurant space and, with the support of the neighboring residents, the area will thrive. The local community deserves that.”